Prabowo admits that democracy is not an easy system, but it is still the best

JAKARTA - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that democracy is not an easy system to run. According to him, the democratic process is often colored by various challenges and dynamics.

However, he emphasized that democracy remains the best option to realize justice, hope, and inclusive governance.

"Democracy is the best system compared to all the systems that have ever been tried by human civilization," said Prabowo in a speech at a dinner with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Jakarta, Tuesday, July 7.

Prabowo admitted that in practice democracy has various risks. He said there were always challenges, traps, and parties that tried to hijack the democratic process for certain interests.

Therefore, Prabowo invited all elements of the nation to continue to maintain trust in democracy. Continue to maintain that the democratic process runs according to the correct principles.

"We must not give up. We must continue to believe in democracy and continue to strive to protect it," he said.

On this occasion, Prabowo also expressed his excitement to meet with young members of the General Election Commission (KPU). He assessed that the experience and learning from the organizers of elections, both in Indonesia and other countries, are an important part of strengthening the quality of democracy.

"That is why I am very happy to meet today with a young member of the General Election Commission. We also learned very closely from the Indian Election Commission," he said.

Before the dinner, President Prabowo accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a state visit to the DPR RI Building, the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta.

The arrival of the two was greeted by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani, Chairman of the MPR RI Ahmad Muzani, as well as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal and Sari Yuliati.

PM Modi delivered a speech in front of President Prabowo, Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani, and the invited guests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Indonesia is part of the efforts of the two countries to further strengthen diplomatic relations as well as strengthen strategic cooperation in various sectors, ranging from economy, trade, investment, defense, to culture.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a state visit to Indonesia on July 6-8, 2026 as a reciprocal visit to President Prabowo Subianto's previous visit to India.

After completing the agenda in Jakarta, PM Modi is scheduled to continue his journey to Yogyakarta. Together with President Prabowo, he will visit Prambanan Temple to review and inaugurate cooperation in the preservation of cultural heritage and temple restoration programs which are one of the symbols of strengthening cultural cooperation between the two countries.